Millions needed by football fraternity to fulfil international commitments

The Namibia Football Association (NFA) requires more than N$12 million to continue participation in international competitions from now until end of March 2018 and has called on corporate world to come to their aid, according to the football associations website, this week.

NFA said that given the current financial situation in Namibia, the NFA is not immune and after an Executive Committee meeting held on the sidelines of the 2017 Skorpion Zinc Under-17 Cup over last weekend, NFA President Frans Mbidi revealed that NFA will need funds to fulfill their international obligations.

“Times are tough now and we appeal to corporate Namibia to assist the NFA to prepare the Brave Warriors for Kenya 2018 CHAN Finals as well as all other National teams’ participation in international events for the same period. It will be irresponsible for us not to share our plight with Corporate Namibia and general public and hence this public statement,” Mbidi said.

The Executive Committee also decided to accelerate players’ development by setting up youth leagues in all regions.

“Youth Leagues should also now be reactivated in all the 14 Football Regions and encourage youth development activities at constituency levels. The constituency Councilors should be engaged to render both financial and material support to these young players. At constituency level, players should be motivated by the chances of being selected to represent the region at national competitions and eventually being selected to represent one’s country at international events. Subsequent to all these, lucrative playing careers could be realized either on the continent or overseas , the NFA President said.

The Executive Committee is also considering limiting the age of players in the regional second divisions to 23 years old to allow more player development.

“ This will allow youth players to develop fully and by so doing benefit the national teams. Consideration will be however be given to clubs to allow an acceptable number of over aged players per team, for example five players on the team register for any given season, while only three players could be allowed to play in any given match” concludes Mbidi.

The Namibia Football Association’s 27th Ordinary Congress will be held on be held on 30 September at the Nest Hotel in Luderitz to discuss the State of the Association Report, Audited Financial and Report and Budget.